Don't spray paint thinners through the airbrush?

[Phil5000]

I've just been reading the FAQ on the Iwata website. I'm having trouble with mine especially keeping it clean. I come to one bit that says never ever spray paint thinners or solvents through the airbrush for health reasons. I've been doing it for years. I thought that's how you do it. If you're not supposed to do that then how in the heck do you clean it? Then in the very next bit it says to "rinse" your airbrush with solvents to clean it. What does it mean by rinse?

I'm extrememly safety conscious about modeling and the hazards involved with the materials. I use a respirator, gloves and goggles or visor when airbrushing but I'm not sure if that's enough. Like I'm worried it's getting in my eyes because the goggles don't form a perfect seal on my face, and I'm worried it's getting through the respirator and so on. I'm on the point of giving up for good I'm so paranoid about it.

But the question is do you guys do that to clean yours or am I the only one who doesn't know that's a no no? Maybe I should take a professional class or something to learn how to do this properly?

 

[Christos]

I'm using acrylics when I'm airbrushing,tamiya or vallejo.

 

[ruderogo]

hm, i use my airbrush alot, i always spray thinner through it after im using oils or enams. that doesnt really make sense, becasue how can you not spray thinner through the airbrush when you need to thin the paint to get it to spray in the first place..

 

[Gauntlet]

i have been using the same Iwata for 15 years and and always use thinner to clean it becuase i use oil based paints and then disassemble it and clean with soapy water and let it airdry.....still works like new

 

[thegoodsgt]

I think some of those safety warning are just an attempt to limit their legal liability. You probably wouldn't want to simply spray the thinner out into the room you're sitting in. I spray it directly into an old t-shirt that I use at my desk, or you can build a little receptical for the thinner using an old shoe box sealed with tape (spraying into a small hole punched into the side).

I don't think most of us airbrush frequently enough to case serious, long-term health problems. The average body shop painter probably inhales more fumes in a week than we do in a year.